Read, reflect, pray
The red jewel: waka
赤玉は
Toyotamabime, in the Kojiki
Poem and reading aid
赤玉は
akadamaha
緒さへ光れど
wosahe hikaredo
白玉の
shiratamano
君が装し
kimiga yosohishi
貴くありけり
tafutokuarikeri
How to use the Roman letters
Roman letters follow the kana displayed in this site’s Japanese reader; some readings are editorial additions documented on the Japanese page. These are a reading aid, not restored Sanskrit or a recording of a temple’s chanting. Historical spellings (such as wo, wi, we and ha used as a particle) are kept. Double vowels and repeated vowels mark the written kana; rhythm and pronunciation can differ by tradition.
You can simply read the meaning or sit quietly. No recitation is required. For a temple or shrine’s own recitation, follow that tradition’s published guidance.
Meaning in English
The red jewel shines even through its cord, yet your appearance, like a white jewel, was still more precious and beautiful.
Background and attribution
After her birth-giving form is seen, Toyotamabime returns to the sea. Still longing for her husband Hoori, she sends this poem through her sister Tamayoribime. The speaker and recipient are distinguished.
The English meaning and explanation are this site’s own rendering. The poem’s speaker, author and object of devotion are not necessarily the same.
Connected figures
Sources and edition (2)
English explanations on this page were prepared by Inori no Mori from the cited text and its Japanese explanations. They are not an official translation or a prescribed liturgy.